<a href="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSCN2992.jpg"><img class="alignleft  wp-image-278" title="DSCN2992" src="http://news.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/DSCN2992-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>Sujanalatha De Almeida was recently recognized by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) at the AMT’s 74<sup>th</sup> National meeting in San Antonio, TX, as their Registered Medical Assistant of the Year. This award is based on the provision of extraordinary service and contributions on all levels within AMT, and to the Medical Assisting profession and total care community.

Every U.S. state nominated a candidate for this award and over 450 attendees watched proud recipients, as they were recognized for achievements in their medical career fields.

Each year the AMT honors selected Registered Medical Technologists and Technicians nationwide and publishes news of their awards in their <em>Events </em>magazine. Sujanalatha De Almeida is also a recipient of many State honors, including the Distinguished Achievement Award, Exceptional Merit, The Pinnacle Award, Registered Phlebotomy Technology Award of the Year, Hands Across America Mission Award and Appreciation Award. She is a past president and vice president and current Board member of the California State Society of American Medical Technologists. “I am honored and humbled by being chosen to receive the RMA of the Year award by AMT,” says De Almeida. “This award presents the challenge of living up to the expectations of this prestigious award and its principles of character and integrity.”

Mrs. De Almeida, RMA, RPT, was certified in 1988 and has been an instructor for<a title="SJVC" href="http://www.sjvc.edu"> San Joaquin Valley College’s </a>Clinical and Administrative Medical Assisting program in <a title="SJVC Visalia" href="http://www.sjvc.edu/visalia/">Visalia</a> since 1991.  Her students benefit from her education, skill and experience gained in the medical assisting field and in the college’s classrooms and labs. “It has been a privilege to be an instructor at San Joaquin Valley College in Visalia, CA,” she says. “The support and encouragement that I have received from my colleagues and administrators is incomparable. It is my goal to continue to serve at the State and National levels and to strive for excellence in teaching,” says De Almeida.

Her quest for accomplishment in her field continues as she pursues her BA degree in Management and Organizational Development. “I believe in life-long learning, and I hope to earn a Master’s in Health Administration,” says Mrs. De Almeida.